New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-01-19
THE LE.FROUDK CONTENTION

LETTER FROM MRS. ALEXANDER CARLYLE
TO the Editor OF The rrfbune
SIR; Will you allow me to say few words in reply
to the letter signed ]. A. Froude and published by
you, which is much at variance with the factsI Mr.
Froude in my uncles lifetime entered into an en-
gagement sanctioned by my Uncle part of the pro-
vision he Intended to mako for to regard himself
as trustee for OF the copyright and the whole profits
to DO derived from the publication of tho Reminis
cenccs. On tho 2Sth Of November, 1870, my husband
and were dining with Mr.. Froude, his Mr. Ashley
Froude being present, when this arrangement was dis
cusscd and confirmed in the full sense as stated
above. SO the matter rested until my uncles decease.
On the 18th of February, 1884, still before the pub
LEGATION OF the "Reminiscences I. Froude wrote to
proposing to divide with the profits Of the frat
English edition, whicn profits amounted to $3.50.
dcmurrcd to this inconsistent with Mr.. Froudes
gagement On the 2Ist of February, 1881, Sir James
Stephen wrote TO me that Mr.. Froule was perfectly
satisfied" with the following note made by Sir James
Stephen Of conversation with me-:
Mira. Alexander Carlyle says that Mr. Froude some
time ago promised to give her the NhoIs proceeds OF
The "reminiscences when published, and that she in
fornod her uncle Of this intention and that be ap
proved OF II, and under these circumstances she de-
the whole.
This note was phrascd by Sir James Stephen, not by
mo. Aiterward, the same day, Mr.. Froude wrote
to me-:
hal settled in my mind that YOU ought to have
the halt OF the English copyright of both books, the
"Reminiscences and the Life and letter. to follow. Of
course you shall have every arhing that comes FROM
| tine "Reminiscences.
Two days later, on the 23d of February 1881, Mr.
| Froudc wrote to mo:
| am bound to tell you that Ashley [ie, Mr. Froudes
son who was present 1t at OF the COW ersa-
lions about the copyright entirely confirms your
count oil II. am utterly ashamed Of myself, and Dan
only suppose that the addition of volume with
fresh matter e the Article, Jane Welsh Carlyle and
| general sonse that | had been thinking good deal
about tbs American part of the business had confused
memory OF what had passed, and led me to believe
that wss free to arrange tho details over again do
| lot wonder now at anything which you may have
| though OF me.
| The reason Of my consulting lawyer was not, as
Mr. Froude suggests, to the payment of this
money but TO try il possible prevent Mr.. Froude
from misusng the materials Tor the Biography as by
common consent he had misuscd those of tho Remnis
crnces. repeatedly offered to give up to Mr.. Froude
the whole proceeds tho "Reminiscences present and
future well tho copyright OF It, II he would act
upon his public undertaking contained in his letter to
The London Times" Of May 8, 1SS1, namely, would
at restore TO the papers and not proceed with
| the Biography. Mr.. Froude and his co-executor ana
friend, Sir James Stephen having suggested that the
proceeds OF the "reminiscences IA well rs the papers
might belong to Mr.. Carlyles Residuary Estate fur
Their offered 10 provide the executors with substantial
indemnity agains. any possible claim from the reedu-
| have not sought, neither has Mr. Froudc offered to
me- bsequcnty his letter OF the 2lst OF February
ls- any profits but those derived from the publica
ton Of the "Reminiscences less f3OO which he retained
in satisfaction to use Sir James stephens word.
! Of any claim he might have in respect OF tho hS
called Jane Welsh Carlyle, or in respect OF his own
| labor in preparing the WORK or otherwise
Yours t faithfully MARY CARLYLE.
No. ChnIcri Gardens. Harrsfock Hili, London, "
| u. ian. 8, 1897.